Though the road seems familiar...we're just remembering where to go

Though the road seems familiar...we're just remembering where to go, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Lovely write-up on this photo on Photo Shutter blog/online magazine.

http://www.shutterphoto.net/article/though-the-road-seems-familiar-heather-binns/

This line in particular really nailed it:
It’s the beginning of a journey. The destination is visible, the ending isn’t clear. Perhaps the traveler in this photograph is anxious to begin. Or perhaps she’s afraid…because she’s been there before. To me, the photograph is not necessarily a happy photograph, but it is a positive one. It’s a representation of that big step forward, the first step of a journey or the beginning of the next chapter.

35. disappointments should be cremated, not embalmed

35. disappointments should be cremated, not embalmed, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Week 35 ~ Embracing Pluto

LIBRA: "Disappointments should be cremated, not embalmed," said the
aphorist Henry S. Haskins. That's good advice for you right now,
Libra. It's an auspicious moment for you to set fire to your defeats,
letdowns, and discouragements -- and let them burn into tiny piles of
ashes. I mean all of them, stretching back for years, not simply the
recent ones. There's no need to treat them like precious treasures you
have an obligation to lug with you into the future. The time is right
for you to deepen your mastery of the art of liberation.

34. like a deep sea diver

34. like a deep sea diver, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Week 34 ~ Embracing Pluto

LIBRA: When novelist James Joyce began to suspect that his adult daughter Lucia was mentally ill, he sought advice from psychologist Carl Jung. After a few sessions with her, Jung told her father that she was schizophrenic. How did he know? A telltale sign was her obsessive tendency to make puns, many of which were quite clever. Joyce reported that he, too, enjoyed the art of punning. "You are a deep-sea diver," Jung replied. "She is drowning." I'm going to apply a comparable distinction to you, Libra. These days you may sometimes worry that you're in over your head in the bottomless abyss. But I'm here to tell you that in all the important ways, you're like a deep-sea diver. (The Joyce-Jung story comes from Edward Hoagland's "Learning to Eat Soup.")
Free Will Astrology

33. trust your feelings

33. trust your feelings, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Week 33 ~ Embracing Pluto

Although you're moodier than usual with the evocative Moon in your sign, you can trust your feelings now. Even if you're dreaming of a perfect day today, you're also thinking about some deeper psychological issues that you have wrestled with before. Thankfully, you have newfound hope for resolution or change. Use your natural instincts to look at both sides of the situation before choosing which one to support.

32. Let unhealthy assumptions fall away without resistance

32. Let unhealthy assumptions fall away without resistance, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Week 32 ~ Embracing Pluto

Forget about sticking to your normal routine today since your key
planet Venus is buzzed by high-strung Uranus. You may even feel as if
you're going crazy, but rest assured it's just that the energy is a
bit unstable now. Let restrictive structures and unhealthy assumptions
fall away without resistance. Resume your regularly scheduled
activities once the dust settles.

31. maintain a positive attitude

31. maintain a positive attitude, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Week 31 ~ Embracing Pluto

You're feeling self-indulgent today and you are willing to do whatever
you must to get your share of pleasure. However, striving for
satisfaction seems to be an uphill battle and you might be
unpleasantly surprised that your desires are going to take longer to
fulfill than you originally believed. Maintain a positive attitude,
for that will make your trek easier. Remember, appreciating the
journey is just as important as reaching the destination.

30. enjoy the show

30. enjoy the show, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:

Week 30 ~ Embracing Pluto

Life may be quite pleasant today with an edge of excitement to make
things more interesting. However, your outer reactions might be
somewhat subdued. Fortunately, good vibrations are buzzing all around
you as the Aquarius Full Moon lights up your 5th House of Love and
Creativity with spontaneous fireworks. Enjoy the show while you can
without worrying too much about the future.

Pickathon 2012

29. self-doubt is a waste of your time and energy

42/52 ~ self-doubt is a waste of your time and energy, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Week 29 of embracing pluto

Self-doubt is a waste of your time and energy, but questioning the viability of your strategy today is not. Daydreams may float in and out of awareness throughout the day, yet you should be able to
recognize the fantasies and separate them from your more realistic thoughts. Be courageous and think outside of the box now, for your most radical ideas could be your best ones.

28. close

41/52 ~ close, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
week 28 ~ embracing pluto

You're close to grabbing a strategic advantage over a frustration that has hindered you for a long time.

27. seek middle ground

40/52 ~ seek middle ground, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
week 27 ~ embracing pluto

You don't need to let anyone push you around, for you have more power than you realize. On the other hand, nothing is gained by obsessing about something that you cannot have now. It may be challenging to manage the intensity of your reactions today. Continue to practice moderating your extreme emotions and seek middle ground wherever possible.

26. take the initiative

26. take the initiative, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
week 26 ~ embracing pluto

At last, Libra, passionate Mars is entering your sign on July 3 after dragging its heels in your obscure 12th House since last November. Your passion is out of prison and this is a time to step forward and take the initiative in your life and in your relationships. You know how to be assertive in a gracious manner and this is the time to do it. Yet this energizing transit runs into some rocky times.

25. looking at your life from a different angle

38/52 ~ looking at your life from a different angle, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
week 25 of embracing pluto

Having a detailed plan isn't enough for you to succeed now, even if you are quite capable of executing it efficiently. Don't toss out an idea too quickly just because it wasn't the result of analytical logic. Instead, be open to the guidance that you can receive from your dreams. Step back and check out the big picture; your path will reveal itself when you are looking at your life from a different angle.

24. don't sweat the small stuff

37/52 ~ don't sweat the small stuff, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
week 24 of embracing pluto

You have reached a point where you are ready to make changes in order to add excitement to your life and you have little patience for those who might stand in your way. Don't sweat the small stuff today; concentrate on your long-term goals rather than the details of the day.

taken on my dinner break on the first day of the phil borges workshop - 18 hours of photography inspiration and information in one weekend. exhausted but happy.

23. or some of each?

33/52 ~ or some of each?, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
and week 23 ~ embracing pluto

Patience is your key to success this month, as waves of change grow stronger and stronger. Although these unpredictable transits may turn your life upside down, they also can embolden you to consider making a radical positive change.

22. even if you're weary

32/52 ~ even if you're weary, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Even if you're weary from recent relationship struggles, you probably feel much better today. Nevertheless, you're also aware that the issues may not yet be fully resolved. You might be overly concerned that your current vulnerability will lead to disappointment, but you're also intrigued by the potential of major breakthroughs in your life. Be ready to take a risk in the weeks ahead, for you can't count on anyone else to know what's in your heart.


Week 22 ~ embracing pluto

21. for whatever joy it brings

21. for whatever joy it brings, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
week 21 - embracing pluto

You may become more optimistic and lighter on your feet as the day goes on. However, you also might grow more confused about love and romance. The problem is that you're less sure about what's real and what is imagined. Your thoughts come and go quickly now, so don't worry if you can't hold on to any of them. Attempting to control your mental process only brings frustration. Instead, float along with the currents and enjoy the day for whatever joy it brings.

20. the five of cups

32/52 ~ the five of cups, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Five of Cups ~ This card is about looking back at things that have happened with regret and with the feeling of “If only I had done… or not done… or I wish I had done… or not done”. It is focusing on what has gone or has been lost and not able to see the good that may have come from the situation.

It is a card of loss, disappointment, sadness, suffering and possibly depression. There can be a feeling of being emotionally let down by someone.

This is a card of great loss, trauma, distress and possibly grief. It can indicate grief through bereavement or raw feelings and emotions when someone is going through a relationship break-up.

It can also be that someone is acknowledging mistakes of the past, although they may not yet be quite ready to turn around and look at the present or look forward to the future.



Week 20 of Embracing Pluto:
You can be pulled into someone's drama now before you even realize
what happened. Although you probably have plenty of complications in
your life, there may be a few more yet to handle. Even if there's a
storm brewing around you, the good news is that you're feeling more
centered. Don't be tricked into thinking that you will lose a chance
at success unless you act decisively right away. The truth is that
even the smallest steps can lead to major improvements.

19. plunge into the unknown

19. plunge into the unknown, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:

True grit and sheer determination push your thoughts into action today, even if you might normally wait for a more convenient time to start a new project. But it's not a fear of failure that scares you, it's the fear of success. Discovering buried treasures or revealing great insights comes with a hidden price to pay. Nevertheless, ignorance is a much worse fate. What you learn now can help you handle the upcoming changes, so be courageous and plunge into the unknown.

Week 19 ~ Embracing Pluto

18. let go of any illusions

18. let go of any illusions, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Week 18 - Embracing Pluto
The Scorpio full moon is a time of courage and raw power. Let go of the superficial - let go of any illusions of who you think you are. Be not afraid: allow your delusions and confusions to be burned away in the fire of emotion, and allow yourself to emerge from the ashes renewed and with a new understanding of who you really are.

17. stand your ground

17. stand your ground, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

You are typically adept at transforming your shortcomings into more positive traits, but it takes real courage to be open and vulnerable in front of others. This self-expression is not, however, about playing the role of a martyr or being passively aggressive. Stand your ground, even if it means disappointing someone else. Be yourself. There's nothing to be gained from trying to live up to anyone's expectations but your own.

Embracing Pluto with Vanessa - Week 17

16. curiosity

16. curiosity, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Your curiosity may get the best of you today. You are driven to delve beneath the obvious appearances and seek the hidden component of what's going on. But this isn't just an idle wandering; it's more about a search to establish a healthier balance in your life. Thankfully, you should be able to positively impact your world if you can discover what causes are at play. Increasing your awareness may be all that's needed.

Week 16 of Embracing Pluto with Vanessa

28/52 ~ gaining strength

28/52 ~ gaining strength, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Look at the earth crowded with growth, new and old bursting from their strong roots hidden in the silent, live ground, each seed according to its own kind...each one knowing what to do, each one demanding its own rights on the earth... So, artist, you too from the deeps of your soul... let your roots creep forth, gaining strength. ~ Emily Carr

Week 15 of Embracing Pluto with Vanessa (be sure to check out her powerful image and words for this week)

14. new beginnings

14. new beginnings, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Friday's Full Moon in your sign pushes you to make a significant personal decision. Weighing your needs against what others are giving you could provoke you to shake up a current alliance or alter the way in which you're seeking a new relationship. Being fair to yourself is top priority because if you can't accept your considerable worth, others are unlikely to take you seriously as a potential partner. Treating yourself with a higher level of respect instantly makes you a more captivating companion.

Week 14 of Embracing Pluto with Vanessa

lotus flower ~ symbol of new beginnings, rebirth, awakening, perseverance and growth

13. become aware

13. become aware, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Understand that you are only aware of a limited number of things. Understand, too, that this is not a bad thing. We would encourage you to become aware of one thing new each day. To do this, though, you might have to get yourself out of a rut. Ruts, rather than being bad places, are comfortable, safer places. Otherwise people wouldn't talk about them as much as they do. Just one day decide to alter your current habits slightly.

Week 13 of Embracing Pluto with Vanessa

24/52 ~ it's all a question of balance

24/52 ~ it's all a question of balance, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

You have to use your failures as stepping stones to success. You have to maintain a fine balance between hope and despair. In the end it's all a question of balance ~ Rohinton Mistry, A Fine Balance

Week 12 - Embracing Pluto with Vanessa

(I suspect there will be a few more teeter totter shots in this project :)

11. protective

11. protective, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Your emotions are not likely to be light or breezy right now, dear Libra, but neither are they burdensome. Vulnerability that you may be feeling these days can open the door to more compassion and understanding, not only with others but with your own emotions, which has the effect of building a more protective and nurturing environment for yourself. Your mood is likely to be protective, serious, and realistic right now.

Week 11 of Embracing Pluto with Vanessa.

my 38th year

Mari is my coworker/astrologer. She did my basic natal astrology chart as part of her apprenticeship and gives me occasional updates on other 'astrological events' going on. She has a gift for presenting the information in a very positive way and highlighting the free will aspect. It doesn't 'predict' anything, but it can help highlight areas that may need focus. Whether you buy in to it all or not, it is freakishly spot-on for what I've been going through the past year. I'm mainly posting this as a reminder to myself :)

These are her 'highlights' for my solar return (aka my year October 3rd 2012 to October 2nd 2013)

• There are 4 planets (Sun, Mercury, Saturn, and Venus) closely aligned in your 4th house (house of home, family and the emotions), all hanging out in Libra. This is a lot of Libra energy tightly banded together. Likely, you'll feel compelled to spend a lot of time and energy creating beauty and balance in your home, probing into the past, and trying to maintain a cool objectivity in the face of your emotions.
• These planets in your 4th house are forming a hard angle with Uranus in Aries in the 10th house (house of career and taking power). Aries, as you know, is your blind spot. But this year, it's essential that you learn to balance the Libra 4 by leaning more into Uranian and Aries energy. You can do this by really trusting your gut instincts and taking on the warrior role when it comes to your career. You need to be willing to fight for what you want (a very Aries trait) in this area of your life this year. You can also balance the Libra 4 by seeking out a public, career role that is unusual, quirky, eccentric, or innovative (the typical Uranus traits). With Uranus in the 10th house, I would suspect that the field you decide on will surprise you, will be one you might not have chosen in the past, but now it looks good to you.
• Pluto is in your 6th house (house of work, service and health/healing) working to destroy the way you work in the day to day world and how you relate to health and healing. He's doing this so that you can see past the inauthentic surface to find the true self, your authentic mission. Pluto's right next to the moon in this house, so he's definitely making your safety/security-minded moon uncomfortable. Both planets are in Capricorn, so I think the fact that you're working with a career counselor is great as it gives Capricorn satisfaction knowing that this deep transformation is being approached in a pragmatic way with clear, concise goal setting.
• The North Node is in Sagittarius, so that tells me that your life's purpose this year has to do with travel or foreign cultures and/or exploring in depth your belief systems. It also could mean that you are meant to embark on some sort of learning or mastery path.
• As for relationships, it does seem with 4 planets in Libra this would be a year for entering one. I can't imagine with all that Libra energy not seeking that out. Plus you have Cancer rising this year, so people will see you as someone seeking authentic, intimate connection that is mutually nurturing. It also makes me wonder if the "mother" thing and the idea of having children is supposed to come up this year, since Cancer is the mother symbol.
• Jupiter's in the 11th house (house of friendship and community) forming an easy angle with Pluto and the Moon, so you have the opportunity to ease your transformation by leaning into this area of life. Forming friendships and joining communities will really benefit you this year. I would say it would be key to do a lot of networking and to be really open to making new connections.
• You also have easy angles forming between Mars in the 2nd house and the 4 Libra planets in the 4th house, so any work you do on getting clear on your values and what matters to you will help those planets find the balance they're seeking.

10. no matter how messy or uncertain something may appear

10. no matter how messy or uncertain something may appear, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

The full moon in Virgo arrives today (Thursday, March 8th), and it may be intense for some of us because it brings attention to needs and necessities, illuminating areas where we don't have it together yet. We can see the benefits of constructive thoughts and right action now
- no matter how messy or uncertain something may appear, improvement is logical and attainable.

Week 10: Embracing Pluto with Vanessa

9. Expand your horizons! If at all possible, make plans to travel today.

9. Expand your horizons! If at all possible, make plans to travel today., a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Expand your horizons! If at all possible, make plans to travel today. New places or just spending time being active outdoors can help you feel more upbeat and optimistic.

chinese zodaic - OX - horoscope for 3/3/12

Week 9 - Embracing Pluto with my libra sister Vanessa

21/52 ~ the fear of losing everything that is familiar

21/52 ~ the fear of losing everything that is familiar, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

She had just realized there were two things that prevent us from achieving our dreams: believing them to be impossible or seeing those dreams made possible by some sudden turn of the wheel of fortune, when you least expected it. For at that moment, all our fears suddenly surface: the fear of setting off along a road heading who knows where, the fear of a life full of new challenges, the fear of losing forever everything that is familiar. ~ paulo coelho

8. define the line

8. define the line, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

The Moon's current visit to your 7th House of Relationships is a reminder of how difficult it is to be completely yourself when someone else is part of your life. Unfortunately, it's challenging to define the line between love and codependency, especially because making other people happy comes so naturally to you. Although fulfilling your own needs might create stress, it also makes you a better partner in the long run.

libra horoscope for 2/24/12

Week 8 ~ Embracing Pluto with Vanessa

20/52 ~ you cannot find peace by avoiding life

20/52 ~ you cannot find peace by avoiding life, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

7. the will is the weaver

19/52 ~ the will is the weaver, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

The signs of the zodiac are karmic patterns; the planets are the looms; the will is the weaver. ~Author Unknown

Week 7 of Embracing Pluto with Vanessa

I need a retreat - run away somewhere for a week or so to clear my head, find my will and make some changes.

6. a looking glass

6. a looking glass, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Astrology can clear up or mix up a person as much as any other psychological, philosophical or religious mirror, a looking glass in the endless mirror hall of life. ~ Markku Siivola

Week 6 of Embracing Pluto

Check out Vanessa's fearless take on our quote this week.

5. cheers!

5. cheers!, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Drinks served in fine glassware will go a long way to please Libra. Almost more than the taste, Libra loves the visual and aesthetic experience of the cocktail. Odds are even a beer will be more appealing to the sign of the Scales when served in an attractive bottle or glass. Librans also enjoy the elegance of champagne, consumed in romantic settings and combined with the sweetness of fruit, as in the classic mimosa. No slamming your fist on the bar, please -- Libra likes it serene.

Vanessa's pick this week. And I happened to be traveling to the Oregon Coast and Pacific City, where we had beers together when she visited last summer. Cheers to you and our friendship, ness. xo

4. make time for playful endeavors

4. make time for playful endeavors, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
You could get lost in your fantasies today about producing great works of art, but you may needlessly worry that you lack the talent to pull it off. Nevertheless, allow yourself to imagine what you might do if you didn't need to earn a living and manage your everyday responsibilities. There's no place for self-limiting thinking now, so express yourself as creatively as you can. Make time for playful endeavors, even if only as a practice to connect with your inner child.

(Libra horoscope for 1/27/12)

Week 4 ~ Embracing Pluto with Vanessa

3. oh-so-elegant and tasteful

3. oh-so-elegant and tasteful, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Week 3 of Embracing Pluto:

One of the many reasons I'm excited about this year-long project with Vanessa - we are both total goofballs. And she reminds me how important it is to keep that sense of humor close at hand. (for example)

You are oh-so-elegant and tasteful to the point of incurring nausea from loved ones. You are also bipolar as hell and can't make a decision on your own. You usually consult your therapist or TV Guide. Libras are trendy and malleable folks. They are funny because they will glom onto something they hated before if it suddenly becomes fashionable. Velour is not entirely lost upon these people. Libras eat a lot of ethnic food from cultures they don't understand. They single-handedly started the cappucino movement. Ask them why, and they will claim something unintelligible about solidarity. You constantly worry about what other people think. If you really paid any attention, maybe people would like you more.

www.astrologyweekly.com/humour/funny-horoscopes.php

2. plots and schemes & hopes and dreams

15/52 ~ plots and schemes & hopes and dreams, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Embracing Pluto Week 2 with Vanessa

Libra 2012 Forecast

Saturn, the planet of self-mastery is in your sign through October 2012. This once-every-30-year transit usually brings major life changes and decisions. It's time for you to "grow up" in some significant way. Allow your added responsibilities to forge even greater power and self-assurance. Ironically, much of your inner strength may be cultivated by facing and overcoming frustrations and obstacles. So tackle challenges as if they are tailor made to teach you something valuable. Relationships take on more importance now. Good ones can get deeper, more committed. Sex and/or intimacy can get way better, too. Joint finances might also improve and/or you might benefit from another's transitions.

1. balance

1. balance, a photo by heathre on Flickr.

Week 1:
Libra is the only zodiac symbol that's neither animal nor human -- but surely that doesn't make you any less human. In fact, Libra is among the most sociable of the signs. As scales of old were really "balances," so do you seek balance in all that Libra does. You respond to situations with grace as Libra attempts to put others at ease. Artistically, Libra tries to balance form, content, colors and elements, and for this reason can be drawn toward creative endeavors.

Kicking off a weekly collaboration with my fellow libra, the inspiring, gorgeous and amazing Vanessa.
A year of libra and astrology inspired images

2012

It's 2012, time to dust off the ole blog. I'm starting a new photo project next with with my lovely friend Vanessa - weekly self-portraits loosely based on astrology/horoscopes. We are both libras and I've become a wee bit obsessed with astrology in the last couple months, thanks to my co-worker Mari who has done a couple readings for me.

My hope is to post at least my weekly photo, as well as photos from my ongoing collaboration with Meg and our lyrics project.

Libra forecast for 2012:
Saturn, the planet of self-mastery is in your sign through October 2012. This once-every-30-year transit usually brings major life changes and decisions. It's time for you to "grow up" in some significant way. Allow your added responsibilities to forge even greater power and self-assurance. Ironically, much of your inner strength may be cultivated by facing and overcoming frustrations and obstacles. So tackle challenges as if they are tailor made to teach you something valuable. Relationships take on more importance now. Good ones can get deeper, more committed. Sex and/or intimacy can get way better, too. Joint finances might also improve and/or you might benefit from another's transitions.